Hello girls, hope you all had a blasting valentine's day today. Here i am with a super long update as I am wrapping up things in Ooty. I am off to Paris tomorrow for a week long holidayand the next update will be only on next weekend. so just making up with a long part, pls bear with me. Hope you all have a fantastic week till then. Cheers 👍🏼
PART 10
Inder had left just after lunch. The driver would drive him to coimbatore airport and then he was taking a flight to chennai. Prachi and her mother would just go back in the car after Lisa's engagement. Premlatha was tired by the time he left, having had to hear instructions from him on what they should do and not do and how well prachi should behave in the engagement ceremony and what time they should be back etc. Premlatha assured him repeatedly that everything would be fine and he shouldn't worry about them. After hugging prachi and telling her that how much he would miss her, he finally left. Premlatha breathed a sigh of relief. "Inder was getting a bit difficult as he got older", she thought fondly. Prachi had been very quiet all morning and looked very upset. Inder thought that she was missing him already and reassured her over and over again that it was only a couple of days, while premlatha wasn't exactly conviced that it was all. Something seemed to be disturbing her daughter very much, and she wondered what it was. She was very cheerful and bubbly during the last few days and the change in her was worrying her. "Was she upset that the holidays are almost over?" She wondered to herself.
Lisa came to see them later and she ran up and hugged Prachi, "Oh, god, girl, I missed you so much".
Premlatha looked at her surprised, "You spent the whole day with her yesterday and you are missing her so much already?", she asked Lisa.
Quickly masking her surprise, Lisa smiled at her, "No aunty, I am going to see her only for a few more days. That's why I am missing her so much".
Prachi thanked her silently, though now she will have to answer Lisa's questions and she would have quite a lot of them. Munching on the hot pakoras, Lisa turned to Premlatha, "Aunty, Peter is arranging a small pre-engagement party just for friends tomorrow. Will you please let Prachi come? It will finish late and I will bring her home as soon as I can".
Prachi looked at her surprised. She didn't know anything about it but then she hadn't spoken much to Lisa for 2 days. Premlatha was at a loss to say anything. "Lisa, actually, prachi's dad doesn't like her to go for late night parties".
Lisa begged her, "Please aunty, we cannot really enjoy much on our engagement evening. There will be all our parents and elders present. And I was told by my parents to be on my best behaviour in front of my future in-laws. So, please aunty. And I won't see prachi again till almost my wedding. Uncle is not here aswell. So it is up to you to give permission".
Premlatha was confused. Seeing prachi's downcast face, she knew that her daughter wanted to go very badly. With a sigh, she relented. "Okay, but Lisa, it is your responsibility to bring her home in time. Not too late", She warned.
"Thank you aunty", screeched Lisa in joy, "you are the best". Prachi hugged her mother happily. She didn't want to miss anything in these last few days. These are the memories that would keep her going for the rest of the year. The thought that Milind would be there, made her heart soar in happiness.
Soon, Premlatha left the girls alone, busying herself in the kitchen with Ramu kaka. Lisa dragged prachi to her room and closed the door shut. "What is going on Prachi? Where were you yesterday?" She asked gently.
Prachi lowered her eyes, guiltily. "I went out with Milind to see his coffee plantation yesterday. I had to use your name, sorry", she said.
"Oh god, is that it , you scared me there for a minute", Lisa relaxed. "Did you spend the whole day with milind yesterday, all alone……", Lisa asked her teasingly.
Prachi turned red, "He was just showing me around" She replied sharply.
Lisa laughed and continued teasing her making her squirm. Turning suddenly serious, she squeezed Prachi's hand, "Milind is a very nice person, but he is a very rich and important man as well. Peter might be his friend, but when it comes to business, they move in totally different circles. Milind is way high up in the league. I hope you understand what I am trying to say. I just don't want you to get hurt, prachi", said lisa concernedly.
"I know, Lisa, he only thinks of me as his good friend", sighed prachi.
"And you?", asked Lisa softly.
Prachi knew that she won't be able to lie to her friend. Looking at her with tear filled eyes, she said softly, "I don't know, Lisa, I honestly don't know". Suddenly, prachi couldn't take it anymore. Sobbing she hugged her friend, "I just don't know what to do". Lisa hugged her sobbing friend back, with tears in her eyes, she too didn't know what to do.
Vowing to put everything behind her and enjoy her evening with Lisa and her friends, Prachi dressed carefully. She wore a long peach coloured gown, with small sleeves and a loose bodice and a flaring skirt that came well below her knees, complementing with silver grey shoes and purse. She and Lisa had shopped specially for that evening and they wanted to look and feel good today. She had curled her hair slightly at the ends and left it open. She wore long diamond earrings and a thin bracelet but no necklace. She applied a pale lipstick and mascara and was waiting for Lisa to arrive. Premlatha looked at her beautiful daughter proudly. She glowed today and she was glad to see her happy. "Prachi, beta, you look very beautiful today", she complimented her daughter. Prachi smiled at her mother and hugged her,"Thanks for letting me go today , mama. I badly wanted to go". Premlatha kissed her head softly, and waved her off when lisa came to pick her up.
Milind had agreed to let Peter use his garden for the party as Peter's parents were not very happy to have it at their home and the most important thing was that they don't have to tone down the noise as there were no neighbouring properties near by Milind's. Vicky had picked up Neelam and Lisa that evening and exchanging quick greetings with Prachi as she got into the car, he then drove them all to the house. The catering group had already set the buffet up when they reached there. The smell of food was mouth watering. The men were all very well dressed and Prachi's eyes were drawn to Milind's as he greeted them. Dressed in black trousers and white shirt with top two buttons undone, hair ruffled slightly as though he had run his fingers through it a few times, he was breathtaking handsome. Milind was also taking in Prachi's appearance, his eyes silently admiring what they saw. If milind had thought that she looked beautiful before, tonight she excelled even more.The dress was so modest and though did not fit around her curves, hinted much more about what lay beneath those layers. Milind thought that made her even more sexy and he found it hard to take his eyes off her. Prachi reddened under his gaze and moving away quickly tried to blend in with the crowd. Lisa and Peter introduced her to the others that did not know her. It was a big group of about 20 including some old friends of Lisa and Peter whom Prachi had not met before. Though Prachi felt uneasy around the new people, she tried her best to mingle as she knew that the evening was important for her friends. Milind was the perfect host and soon made everyone feel at home.
As Prachi filled her plate with mouthwatering food and found a corner to eat , Vicky joined her. "Hello Prachi, having fun?" he smiled at her. "Mind if I join you?"
Thankful for his company, Prachi smiled at him, "Hello Vicky, Please do".
As they chatted for a while, Prachi asked if he managed to sort out the issues that Milind had mentioned. "yes, that is all done. The talk went smoothly and both management and the workers are happy with the outcome", he said munching on his food.
"But it is such a shame that you had to go in the middle of your holidays" sympathised prachi.
"Come on Prachi, be honest. Were you not happy, that it was me and not milind that had to go away?", he asked her his eyes sparkling naughtily.
Red with embarrassment, Prachi mumbled, "No no. its not like that".
Vicky laughed aloud, "You like him a lot, don't you?" He asked her.
Gluing her eyes to her plate, prachi refused to look up at him and answer. "He likes you too", said vicky gently. As Prachi looked up surprised , he continued, "He just hasn't realised how much", and smiled at her , his eyes knowing and reassuring. Prachi felt herself smiling back at him, "Thank you", she replied softly. He was indeed a very nice person, she thought to herself.
Before they could converse further, Milind joined them. Seeing his plate piled high with food, Vicky teased him, "looks like everything is back to normal".
As milind smiled at him, Prachi said quickly, "Don't Vicky, Milind gets angry if you talk about it".
Vicky chuckled, "Prachi, I am sure he was just pissed off. you haven't seen him angry. But believe me, you would never want to. He goes stark raving mad".
"Come on Vicky, Don't make me look like an ogre" Milind protested laughingly.
Prachi looked at both of them surprised, "Is he really that bad?" she asked vicky.
"Oh, god , don't even ask. He is worse than an ogre", laughed vicky. Prachi was surprised to hear that. He was so easy going. It was hard to imagine him like that. Vicky assured her, "But don't worry, it takes a lot to push him to that extent", making Prachi smile back at him.
As soon as the catering group was sent away, and the lights dimmed Rishi announced "The couple to be engaged is going to honour us with a dance. Here's Lisa and Peter". Amidst a lot of applause, Peter asked for Lisa's hand and she shyly obliged. It was beautiful to watch as Lisa danced and twirled in Peter's arms and him gazing lovingly at her. Prachi let out a sigh wishing them all the happiness in the world. The mood had gotten into everyone, and soon the floor was filled with couples, swaying and twirling to the soft music. Milind also obliged and danced with a few girls, while his eyes continuously searched for Prachi. Prachi tried to stay out of everyone's eyes and blend into the long shadows wishing she could just disappear from there. Milind found her behind an overgrown bush, completely hidden from everyone's eyes. "What do you think you are doing here? Why are you not on the dance floor with eveyone else?" he asked her surprised.
Startled by his sudden appearance, Prachi stammered "Nothing, I just wanted to sit down. I…I ", she hesitated. "I hurt my ankle, that's why". There, that sounded plausable, she congragulated herself for her quick thinking.
Milind's eyes narrowed, "When did you hurt your ankle?. You were alright a few minutes ago".
Panicking, prachi fumbled with her dress. "What is it prachi?", he asked her concerned.
Prachi gave up trying to think of excuses. "I cannot dance, Milind", she closed her eyes feeling horrible.
Milind looked at her incredulously, "How can someone not dance? Come on prachi, don't be childish", he pulled at her hand.
Twisting out of his grip, she cried, "I mean it milind, I just cannot dance. I am really bad at it".
Seeing that he was not convinced, she sighed, "Okay, I never dance. I tried once, when I was 10 and learnt a very bad lesson and never had the courage to try again". There she said it all, she closed her eyes in humiliation.
Making her sit down on the bench, Milind sat next to her, "What happened? tell me", he asked her calmly.
"It was when I was in school. My name was picked up for a cultural programme, even though I did not want to. We all had to stay back to practice after school, even Neev, and there was a dance sequence, a ball room dance in the play. Everyone did well, except me. I was vey nervous and kept stepping on my own foot and stumbled. The teacher tried so much and I just could not do it. One day, really frustrated with me, she made me stand alone and do it just by myself with all the other students watching. I stumbled so badly and in the end,fell flat on my face". Picturising everything in his mind as she narrated, Milind tried not to laugh aloud as he feared that prachi might really hit him square on his jaw. She continued with a sad face, "Everyone started sniggering and laughing at me. Even neev laughed so much. The teached yelled at me that I am utterly useless and I have two left feet and she would not waste her time time in teaching me and told me to leave. I never felt so stupid and useless in my life. I cried all the way home and didn't go to school for 2 days. Even though neev appologised, I didn't talk to him for almost a week. I never tried dancing since and I don't want to make a fool of myself now in front of everyone".
Seeing her forlon face, Milind was glad that he did not laugh at her. He felt sorry for her and really angry at those kids and the teacher. "Prachi, that was a long time ago. Kids can be cruel sometimes without meeing to. You should try and forget it" he said placing his hand gently on her arm.
"Please Miind , don't force me . you go and have fun", Prachi pushed his hand away.
Milind stood still for a minute and suddenly, he pulled her hand, Come on now, let's get out of here". Looking surprised , prachi followed him. Just that Rishi called out, "hey guys, where are you both off to?"
"Nothing Rishi, Prachi had hurt her ankle. So just taking her inside the house to rest. Nothing to worry", brushing his concern, Milind pulled her into the house. Prachi was surprised when he didn't stop indoors and just exited out the front door and walked behind the house.
"Milind, where are you taking me? She aked him.
"Shh, quiet, just come with me", pulling her, he reached the Bamboo House. The place looked remote and even more beautiful in the moon light.
"Why are we here, Milind?", Prachi whispered. Milind did not answer her. Once inside, he quickly closed the curtains of the window facing the house, and turned on the night lamp filling the hall with soft light.
"What are we doing here", asked prachi again.
"Why prachi, are you scared?" drawled milind mischieviously.
She shook her head, "No, I am not scared. why?"
"Oh just that you are on your own, so late in the night, in such a remote place and with a guy", he smiled devilishly.
"But I am not with just any guy. I am with you", prachi answered surprised, looking straight into his eyes.
Milind drew a sharp breath. God, this girl could make the simplest of statements and make him feel as if he is on the top of the world. Her trust in him constricted his heart with unknown emotions he didn't want to ponder on. "Thank you". He inclined his head slightly. Walking over to the music player, he slotted in a cd and a soft music filled in the room. Walking back to her, extending his hand, he bowed slightly, "May I?" Prachi looked at him in shock. Has he gone crazy? "Milind, I just told you"
"There is no one here prachi, just you and me. You will never embarrass me and I won't laugh at you. Come on, trust me", he assured her with eyes boring into hers. Prachi shivered slightly and hesitantly, placed her hand in hers. "Thank you", he whispered softly and placed her hand on his shoulder. Holding her other hand in his, he placed his hand on the small of her back and pulled her towards him. Prachi gasped aloud. Standing so close to him, her eyes at the level of his chest, his nearness boggled her mind. Her hand on his shoulder, trembled slightly as the heat from his body through the thin shirt, made her want to curl her fingers and she closed her eyes shut. Feeling her trembling in his arms , Milind smiled at her. She fit so perfectly in his arms, he marvelled silently, her petite form snug in his arms. Up this close, she looked even more beautiful. He bent down and whispered close to her ears, "Rule no.1, look into your partner's eyes". Blushing furiously, Prachi whispered back, "I can't". Chuckling slightly, Milind let it go. God, she is so shy but for some reason, it made him very happy. His heart swelled at the very thougth that she would never have been this close to any one else and he was the one to make her blush like this. "Okay, now just follow my lead and move slightly to your right" he instructed her. Prachi moved as he did but stepped right on his foot. Completely mortified, she gasped, "Milind, no please". He silenced her and continued moving slowly gently leading her. Slowly and hesitantly, prachi followed him step by step. Feeling slightly comfortable and not stumbling any more, prachi opened her eyes and smiled at him slightly. He felt himself drowning into her eyes. Without breaking eye contact, he pushed her away and pulled her back to him. Stumbling at the sudden change in step, she hit squarely on his chest. With a gasp, she moved away quickly. Overcome with shyness and embarrassment, her eyes filled with tears, "Please milind. No more. I can't do this". Milind quickly appologised , "Sorry prachi, it was my fault. I did it too quickly and without warning. Let's try again". This time, giving her ample warning, her repeated it much more slowly and Prachi came back into his arms gracefully. He smiled in delight as prachi looked at him with surprise and happiness in her eyes. "See, that wasn't hard at all. It just takes a little bit of practice and sweetheart, you are naturally very graceful", he complemented her, making her blush again. As they continued dancing, Prachi felt herself relax and let go of her inhibitions and enjoyed it immensely. He was a very good teacher, very patient with her. She looked at him with awe. Just when she thinks she couldn't adore him any more, he does something and she starts to adore him even more. As they settled into a comfortable rhythm, Milind concentrated more on her. The way she lowered her eyes everytime he caught her looking at him, the soft gasps and her blushes, the floral perfume she was wearing , the moonlight that filtered through the window dancing on her, everything about her was just driving him crazy. He restrained himself from crushing her to him tightly. As the cool wind blew in through the open windows, her hair brushed on his face slightly and not able to stop himself any more, he bent down and his lips brushed her forehead in the lightest of caress.
Prachi's gasp was drowned in the shrill of his mobile phone. Completley startled, they stood still gazing at each other and giving himself a mental shake, milind pulled the phone from his pocket and barked into it "Hello".
"Milind, where are you? The girls have to go home and the boys cannot wait to start boozing", came Vicky's annoyed voice.
Clearing his throat, Milind said, "I am just near the car, I will drop the girls home and you take care of the boys". Clicking the phone shut, he turned to a bewildered looking prachi and said appologetically, "We have to go, Prachi, come on". Pulling on her hand, he quickly walked back to the house. Making prachi sit in the car, Milind went in to get Lisa and Neelam. Lisa was very concerned when she heard that Prachi had hurt her ankle and Prachi assured her that she was alright with eyes lowered. But Lisa was shrewd enough to note the high colour in her cheeks and her flushed face but kept quiet. As Milind dropped Prachi, he felt at a loss of words which was quiet new to him. Laughing self consciously, he said, "Got to get back soon. The boys are planning to get totally drunk and stay in bed all day tomorrow with a hang over". Prachi gave a small smile without looking at him, she said softly, "Don't drink too much". Milind jerked up and looking at her lowered eyes, his gaze softened, "I won't sweetheart. I Promise" and he drove off, leaving Prachi to stare after his car for a long time before turning away.
